Book NOW for $1 £1 €1 • Flexible Payments • No Change Fees • Private Departures Available
Best National Parks in Zimbabwe
Put simply, Zimbabwe's landscape is extraordinary. From dramatic cliffs to deep gorges. From dark, mysterious caves to obscure, balancing boulders. The untamed landscape of Zimbabwe shows Africa as it once was. Raw, natural beauty untouched by mass tourism with breathtaking, sun-drenched views looking past the end of the world. A fantastic selection of national parks and game reserves lie within Zimbabwe's boundaries where you can spot the big five (leopard, lion, rhino, buffalo and elephant) and an abundance of other exotic wildlife. Here’s a round-up of the best national parks in Zimbabwe.
1. Hwange National Park
The unspoilt landscape of Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s crown jewel. Covering 14,651 sq km, this is one of the largest national parks in Africa. Home to an astonishing amount of wildlife, you are almost guaranteed to tick off the big five as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, giraffes and elephants. Race across the open planes peeking at cheetahs lapping from the water’s edge, or catching leopards slinking through gaps in the forest. To make your trip extra special, do the safari at dawn or dusk when the animals are in their height of activity.
Best time to visit: April - October
2. Mana Pools National Park
A game drive in Mana Pools National Park is one of the most thrilling wildlife adventures in Zimbabwe. Fly through the vast open landscape spotting lions hunting in packs, wild dogs chasing elands, and leopards and cheetahs snoozing in trees. Then, head to the water and explore by canoe passing hippos, crocodiles and waterbucks soaking in the Zambezi River. And if you want to delve even deeper into the wilderness, Mana Pools is an excellent place to explore on foot. With a guide close by you are almost guaranteed close encounters with elephants, zebras and elands.
Best time to visit: April - October
Did you know?
The noise from Victoria Falls can be heard up to 40 km away!
3. Victoria Falls National Park
Victoria Falls National Park is the only place in Zimbabwe which attracts lots of tourism. The national park follows the Zambezi River with a sea of green surrounding the star attraction. The area has multiple hiking routes leading to mesmerising viewpoints, most notably Cataract view. It’s an excellent place to capture the perfect shot of the thundering Victoria Falls with its iconic rainbow arching overhead. Spray from the fall has enabled the nature surrounding it to thrive. Explore the dense rainforest, searching for elephants, rhinos and hippos as you listen to the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Best time to visit: July - September
4. Matobo National Park
The majestic scenery of Matobo National Park makes this an unsung highlight of Zimbabwe. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its precarious formations of balanced granite rocks which tower above the park. Inspect the stones a little closer, and you'll find ancient San rock art etched into the side. Matobo National Park is one of the few national parks in Zimbabwe where you can self-drive without a guide. Visit the ‘Recreational Park’ section for some breathtaking, panoramic views, most notably - world's end. Then enter the 'Game Park' for one of the best chances of seeing black and white rhinos.
Best time to visit: June - October
View tours to Zimbabwe
5. Gonarezhou National Park
Sharing borders with the iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique is one of Zimbabwe’s best-kept secrets - Gonarezhou National Park. Gonarezhou means 'place of elephants' so you can be sure that its an excellent destination for a safari. Its prolific selection of wildlife includes lions, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, elephants and hundreds of species of birds. But it's not just about the animals. Gonarezhou is arguably the most beautiful national park in Zimbabwe with its iconic sandstone cliffs, magnificent baobab trees, mopane woodlands and palm-tree forests lining the flowing river.
Best time to visit: June - October
6. Nyanga National Park
Resting in the eastern highlands of the country, Nyanga National Park provides an entirely new take on Zimbabwe. Still somewhat of a hidden gem, this park is excellent if you want to stumble off the beaten track. Rivers carving through the park come together to form the iconic Pungewe Falls. Spend your time chasing viewpoints, hiking through gorges, rolling hills, valleys and lakes, or if you need a little more adrenaline, try your hand at mountain climbing. Just be careful of the monkeys overhead!
Best time to visit: February - May
7. Zambezi National Park
Located near Victoria Falls in the Zambezi valley, Zambezi National park is one of the smallest national parks in the country. But that doesn't mean that it should be glanced over. Zambezi National Park is one of the most beautiful reserves in the country. With the mighty Zambezi River snaking through, you’ll have ample chances to spot African hippos and crocs. On land, the park is home to buffalo, elephants, giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, sables and impalas.
Best time to visit: June - September
View tours to Zimbabwe
8. Chizarira National Park
Although the population of wildlife here isn't extremely high, the landscape is perfect for game viewing. With the option of exploring by jeep or foot, you can scout the park at a pace that suits you. Chizarira National Park is one of the best places in Zimbabwe to spot the elusive leopard. But the remote location of the park is what makes this place so special. Being so far removed, Chizarira remains beautifully untouched. Deep gorges, towering cliffs and flowing rivers. The classic image of Africa as it once was.
Best time to visit: July - October
Go to Top
